Animal group tackling different kind of heat

Promotions offering ways to “beat the heat” typically involve air conditioners and swimming pools. But the one being pitched by the Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic next month will aim to extinguish the reproductive fire of local felines.

But the one being pitched by the Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic next month will aim to extinguish the reproductive fire of local felines.

The nonprofit’s Beat the Heat campaign will offer yet another low-cost option for cat owners. Those who take advantage of the deal in February can have their female cat spayed for only $20 – well below the cost typically charged by veterinarians, and even lost-cost facilities.

It’s one of two upcoming programs that were announced by the clinic this week. Both are being made possible by grants.

PetSmart Charities has provided funds to support Beat the Heat, which is designed to spay female cats before they go into heat and have litters in the spring.

The promotion is being offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no income or residence requirements. Funding is available to “fix” 250 cats.

A second PetSmart Charities grant is being used to carry out the Bessemer City SNAP, or Spay/Neuter Assistance Program. It will help low-income residents in a town where the overpopulation of dogs and cats has been documented as more of a problem recently.

Throughout 2013, Bessemer City residents who receive Medicaid, food stamps or WIC funding can have their dog or cat spayed or neutered for $10. The grant will pay for 325 animals to receive surgery.

Terry Kenny, executive director of the Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, said such financial support is making the facility’s long-term goals possible.

“Our mission is to end the unnecessary suffering and death of healthy dogs and cats by providing high-quality, low-cost spay/neuter services to all pet owners, regardless of income,” she said. “These grants are another step toward fulfilling our mission.”

Located at 972 E. Franklin Blvd., the Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic opened in July 2009 with the help of private donations and a $30,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Gaston County. The Animal League had also raised more than $100,000 to get the operation going.

The clinic is run by paid staff, including a veterinarian, two registered vet technicians, two vet assistants and an office assistant. On surgery days, pet owners drop off their dog or cat in the morning and pick them up later that afternoon.

Office hours, when people can sign their pets up for procedures, are held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the first Saturday of each month.

Anyone who would like more information about the Beat the Heat or Bessemer City SNAP promotions, or regular spay/neuter rates, can contact the clinic at 704-868-4673.

You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or twitter.com/GazetteMike.

Page 2 of 2 -

Where to go for spay and neuter help:

There are several low-cost spay/neuter options in Gaston County. Here are three:

- The Gaston Humane Society provides discount spay/neuter coupons that can be presented to participating veterinarians for anywhere from $30 to $40 off the price of surgery. The coupons are offered one time only to families with incomes of $40,000 or less. To learn more details and to request an application, call 704-824-8990.

- The Animal League of Gaston County operates the Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic at 972 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. Dogs and cats are dropped off for surgery and picked up later the same day. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-868-4673.